Question on front spring selection for BB.
Thread Starter
East bound and down...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Jonesboro Arkansas
Question on front spring selection for BB.
Well, I did it again. I bought parts for my project and then midway through, I decided to change things up.
I have a set of BB front springs that I ordered from Mid America awhile back. I think they have since discontinued them. Anyways, I am in the middle of an engine swap now and I fear that my ride hide may be to tall with these springs because I have dropped quite a bit of weight in the process (now aluminum heads, radiator, intake, w. pump.) What springs do you guys recommend? Or should I just cut these? I am not big into the rinse, lather, repeat method of obtaining the right ride height (you know... installing and uninstalling, cutting and reinstalling springs.)
Here's a quick reminder: 1970, stock suspension set-up, poly bushings, bb w/ aluminum heads, intake, radiator, and water pump.
I have a set of BB front springs that I ordered from Mid America awhile back. I think they have since discontinued them. Anyways, I am in the middle of an engine swap now and I fear that my ride hide may be to tall with these springs because I have dropped quite a bit of weight in the process (now aluminum heads, radiator, intake, w. pump.) What springs do you guys recommend? Or should I just cut these? I am not big into the rinse, lather, repeat method of obtaining the right ride height (you know... installing and uninstalling, cutting and reinstalling springs.)
Here's a quick reminder: 1970, stock suspension set-up, poly bushings, bb w/ aluminum heads, intake, radiator, and water pump.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
From: Central KY
If it were me, I would go out and buy two extra lower ball joint rubber caps so you can replace the ones you tear when you crack the ball joints off in a few weeks.... Put it all together and let the springs have time to take a set (and they will drop a little). Then decide whether to cut coils or buy lowering springs. If you really want to do this only once, maybe just buy the lowering springs now...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I ran 280 pounds small block springs with my bigblock and liked the ride. I too had a set of bigblock springs but found the ride height too high. You could cut a coil out and give it a try since you already own them. You need the practice of changing springs a few times anyway LOL
Thread Starter
East bound and down...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Jonesboro Arkansas
Does anybody know what rate these springs are? When I purchased them from Mid-America, they just listed them as being for Big Blocks and they didn't give the spring rates.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have 550# springs in my SB with aluminum heads and the car weighs 3200 lbs. I just replaced 460 coils and I think it rides better with the 550 springs. It lowered the car 3/4 on an inch also. Run the springs you have then make a decision. I can change my springs out now in less than an hour.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Originally Posted by BigBlockk
A Big Block Chevrolet with all aluminum except the block weights about the same as an all iron Small Block.
BigBlockk
BigBlockk
My recommendation would be to KEEP the ones you have in there... Since you've gone to aluminum components, your BB will weigh the same, and probably a little less than the old engine...
BTW, if you decide you don't use them, let me know... My '74 has an iron-headed 427, with a GMC 6-71 on top of that... I must go to BB springs, just to keep the oil-pan from dragging on the ground...
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Thread Starter
East bound and down...
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Jonesboro Arkansas
Originally Posted by LS-Five
Does anybody know what rate these springs are? When I purchased them from Mid-America, they just listed them as being for Big Blocks and they didn't give the spring rates.
